Table of Contents
The Subaru WRX is renowned for its performance and handling capabilities, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts. However, to enhance its handling even further, many owners consider upgrades such as strut bars, coilovers, and corner balancing. In this article, we will explore these upgrades and provide tips for optimizing your WRX’s handling performance.
Understanding Strut Bars
Strut bars are a popular upgrade for Subaru WRX owners looking to improve chassis rigidity and handling. By connecting the strut towers, these bars help reduce flex during cornering, which can lead to better steering response and stability.
- Types of Strut Bars: There are several types of strut bars available, including front and rear options. Front strut bars are more common, as they provide significant improvements in handling.
- Material Considerations: Strut bars are typically made from aluminum or steel. Aluminum bars are lighter, while steel bars offer increased strength.
- Installation: Installing a strut bar usually requires basic hand tools and can often be completed in under an hour.
Coilovers: The Key to Adjustable Suspension
Coilovers are another essential upgrade for Subaru WRX owners seeking improved handling. They replace the factory suspension and allow for adjustable ride height and damping settings, providing a customizable driving experience.
- Benefits of Coilovers: The ability to adjust ride height can help optimize weight distribution and improve cornering performance.
- Damping Adjustability: Many coilover systems offer adjustable damping, allowing drivers to fine-tune their suspension setup for different driving conditions.
- Installation Tips: Coilover installation can be more complex than strut bars, often requiring specialized tools and knowledge of suspension geometry.
Corner Balancing: Achieving Optimal Weight Distribution
Corner balancing is a crucial step in maximizing your Subaru WRX’s handling capabilities. It involves adjusting the suspension to ensure that each corner of the vehicle has equal weight distribution, which leads to improved stability and cornering performance.
- Importance of Corner Balancing: Proper corner balancing helps prevent understeer or oversteer by ensuring that weight is distributed evenly across all four tires.
- Tools Needed: To perform corner balancing, you will need scales to measure the weight at each corner of the car.
- Professional Assistance: While some enthusiasts may attempt corner balancing themselves, it is often best to seek help from a professional who has experience with performance vehicles.
Combining Upgrades for Maximum Performance
When upgrading your Subaru WRX, it is essential to consider how strut bars, coilovers, and corner balancing work together to enhance performance. A well-rounded approach will yield the best results.
- Sequential Upgrades: Start with strut bars to improve chassis rigidity, then move on to coilovers for adjustable suspension.
- Testing and Adjusting: After installation, take the time to test your setup and make necessary adjustments for optimal performance.
- Regular Maintenance: Keep your suspension components in good condition to ensure consistent handling performance.
Conclusion
Upgrading your Subaru WRX’s handling capabilities with strut bars, coilovers, and corner balancing can significantly enhance your driving experience. By understanding each component’s role and how they interact, you can create a setup that maximizes performance on both the street and the track.